Good Day
Cedar Rapids
Tuesday, August 19th, 2025
Good morning, Cedar Rapids. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 19th of August.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Clock House Brewing is preparing to open a second taproom in downtown Cedar Rapids by taking over the old Iowa Brewing Company building with renovations underway that include patio upgrades for bicyclists and a new kitchen. The expansion, which will launch sometime this year, could boost beer production from 1,300 barrels to up to 8,000 barrels a year + the new venue will be renamed Clock House on 3rd and keep legacy recipes from Iowa Brewing. CBS 2 Iowa
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ On Monday in the Andrew Shaw murder trial, a judge blocked testimony from convicted witness Johnny Blahnik Church after he invoked his Fifth Amendment rights about the murder of Chris Bagley—prompting the defense to rely on past testimony while the jury received instructions today. CBS 2 Iowa
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ A $117 million bond for school improvements will be on the November ballot after 730 signatures were collected over the weekend at the downtown market. Supporters with Believe in CR Schools are still seeking an extra 400 to 500 signatures at school open houses (and Labor Day weekend) to meet the 5,500 signature requirement and fund updates that would cost about $7.47 a month for homeowners. CBS 2 Iowa
- ➤ Iowa colleges are adding new risk management programs as the insurance industry grows, with the University of Iowa’s program now the nation’s fifth-largest. Cedar Rapids’ Coe College will launch a risk management concentration this fall—meeting local need—and Iowa State University adds a new certificate. The Gazette
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Cedar Rapids City Council approved a $284,900 contract with Valentine Construction to refresh the downtown library plaza this fall—replacing old pavers for better access by Oct. 31—while Marion officials will discuss a proposed aquatics center project Tuesday at 4 p.m. Additional updates include Fairfax naming Chris Philipp as city administrator, the school board renewing a levy to support a $9 million funding boost, and free tree distribution plus other local public meetings on cancer, deer management, and sidewalk work at the Iowa City Senior Center. The Gazette
- ➤ On Monday, roadwork began on 8th Street NE from 1st Ave E to A Ave NE as part of the City's Paving for Progress program—one lane stayed open with a truck detour on 6th Street NE. The project involves milling, asphalt overlay, new curb and gutter installation, and minor utility improvements—work is expected to finish by early October. CBS 2 Iowa
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8th Annual REALTOR® Olympics
10:30 a.m. — Sag Wagon — Registration required — Participate in a fun-filled day of games including bags and volleyball for REALTORS® and affiliates.
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Jazz Under The Stars
6:30-9 p.m. — Noelridge Park — Bring your own picnic or enjoy food from vendors while listening to local jazz artists celebrate KCCK’s 50th anniversary.
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Rock the Block: Fresh Fighters
6-8 p.m. — NewBo City Market — Free entry — Experience an evening of live music with local and national bands at this vibrant summer concert series.
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Monday Morning Story Time
10-10:30 a.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — Enjoy a delightful morning of storytelling for kids and caregivers.
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Beloit Sky Carp vs Cedar Rapids Kernels
1-4 p.m. — Veterans Memorial Stadium — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an afternoon of minor league baseball action in Cedar Rapids.
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Manufacturing Conference
8 AM – 4 PM — The Hotel at Kirkwood Center — Tickets available until Aug 21 — Engage with industry leaders on challenges and opportunities facing local manufacturers.
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Beloit Sky Carp vs. Cedar Rapids Kernels
1-4 p.m. — Veterans Memorial Stadium — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a fun afternoon of minor league baseball action in Cedar Rapids.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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Reveal the authorAbout Good Day Cedar Rapids
Welcome to the Good Day Cedar Rapids, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Cedar Rapids, Iowa community. If you like the Good Day Cedar Rapids, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Cedar Rapids.
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